Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the Attorney-General of Niger State, Nasiru Mu'azu, to ensure the speedy investigation and prosecution of all persons found culpable in the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna. The incident occurred on Thursday, September 17, after scores of people arrested during raids on suspected illegal mining sites were detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident and suspended officers linked to it pending the outcome of the probe. Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, confirmed the death of 37 detainees and said forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted to establish the cause of the deaths. The incident has generated protests in Minna, with reports indicating that some of the detainees were teenagers.
Accounts from survivors and relatives have raised concerns about overcrowding and poor ventilation in the detention facility, although authorities have yet to establish a definitive cause of death. Falana described the deaths as a reminder of longstanding concerns over the treatment of suspects in detention facilities across the country, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the Niger incident should not be treated as an isolated occurrence.
Falana recalled the 1980 incident in which about 50 criminal suspects reportedly died after being locked inside a police transport van, popularly known as a “Black Maria,” at the premises of the Tinubu Magistrate Court in Lagos. He argued that despite such incidents, overcrowding and poor conditions in detention facilities had continued to expose suspects to serious risks.
The United Nations' Mandela Rules set minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, including requirements relating to accommodation, sanitation, ventilation, healthcare and the humane treatment of people deprived of their liberty. Falana said the best way to honour the 37 suspects that were suffocated to death is to ensure that detention centres in the country meet these rules.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the government owed the families of the deceased and Nigerians an explanation of what happened. The Federal Government has said the investigation into the Niger deaths would be comprehensive, transparent and unhindered. Falana also called on the Attorney-General of Ondo State, Olukayode Ajulo, to prosecute persons allegedly responsible for the mass poisoning that has killed 48 people in the state.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control said 182 cases had been recorded as of September 17 following the reported consumption of locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions in parts of Ondo State. NAFDAC said five victims had become totally blind while two others suffered partial blindness. Falana urged Ajulo to take over the case with a view to ensuring the prosecution of suspects found responsible for the deaths.
Key points
- Femi Falana calls for prosecution of suspects in 37 miners' deaths
- Investigation into miners' deaths to be comprehensive and transparent
- Miners' deaths highlight need for improved detention facilities
